Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- Bread flour – 4 cups (high-protein flour for chewy texture)
- Active dry yeast – 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)
- Water (lukewarm) – 1 2/3 cups
- Olive oil – 1/4 cup (plus more for pan greasing)
- Salt – 1 1/2 teaspoons
Tomato Sauce Ingredients
- Canned crushed tomatoes – 1 can (28 ounces)
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil) – 1 teaspoon total
Toppings
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded) – 8 ounces
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, active dry yeast, salt, water, and olive oil. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add canned crushed tomatoes, salt, and Italian herbs. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld, approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Shape the Dough: Generously grease a rectangular baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and help create a crispy crust. Transfer the risen dough to the pan and press and stretch it evenly so that it reaches the edges and corners, forming a thick base about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add a light sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is bubbly and begins to brown.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan—about 5-10 minutes—to let the toppings set. Slice into rectangular pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a well-oiled pan to prevent sticking and help develop a crisp bottom crust.
- Allow the dough to rise fully for a lighter, airier texture.
- Be careful not to overload the pizza with too much sauce or cheese to avoid sogginess.
- Preheat your oven thoroughly for an immediate crisp crust start.
- Bread flour is preferred for better chewiness and structure in the crust.
- Dough can be made a day ahead; let it rise slowly in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- For gluten-free option, substitute bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Sicilian Pizza, New York Pizza, Thick Crust Pizza, Bakery Style Pizza, Italian-American Pizza, Homemade Pizza, Sicilian Style